209, iii pages ; 19 cm

Who is to say how things really were? In formulating a modern answer to the question ‘What is History?’ Professor Carr shows that the ‘facts’ of history are simply those which historians have selected for scrutiny. Millions have crossed the Rubicon, but the historians tell us that only Caesar’s crossing was significant. All historical facts come to us as a result of interpretative choices by historians influenced by the standards of their age. Yet if absolute objectivity is impossible, the role of the historian need in no way suffer; nor does history lose its fascination. With lucidity, Carr casts a light on the proper function of the historian and the vital importance of history in modern society. -- Provided by publisher

[In this volume, the author] tackles half a dozen of the most fundamental questions concerning the interpretation of human social experience. He handles each of these with such mastery as we seldom see. -- Provided by publisher

Includes bibliographical references and index

"The ... lectures delivered at the University of Cambridge Jan.-Mar. 1961."

The historian and his facts -- Society and the individual -- History, science, and morality -- Causation in history -- History as progress -- The widening horizon

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